Thermalite Viaduct Build

[Budd]

I had a lot to cut so tried my bandsaw with a bluntish wood cutting blade, worked a treat, the blade got to the stage where the teeth were merely bumps on the blade and it still cut allright, I was cutting thru 6" thick blocks, could have done with some dust extraction though.

 

[pugwash]

Just my old Black and Decker one i still have my Robi one

Ryobi one kenobee? May the force be with you
And as Budd says, I would have thought a bandsaw would be perfect, as usual the pocket money problem strikes again :thumbdown:

 

[Woderwick]

I would nt like to be half way across when a train came, any refuge points planned mate ?

 

[Woderwick]

Or how about offsetting the top walls outward about 20mm or so, it would add interest to the profile ?

 

[Woderwick]

Something like this mebbe.

 

[Steve]

That looks brilliant Wod , off to make some changes

 

[Steve]

Further to Wods and Dons helpful ideas i have made to possible options for the water holes , any thoughs ?

 

[Granitechops]

Further to Wods and Dons helpful ideas i have made to possible options for the water holes , any thoughs ?

Now that square opening with the shute looks just about right, & although 'shute' by definition is intended to shoot the water away from the wall, in practice it will still, in wind, stain the wall.

from what I remember, some shutes were just like a flat slate or stone sticking out

 

[pugwash]

The square chute looks like the prototype, although I have seen bridges with a simple hole and no chute, nice and slimey under the drain.
Speaking of chutes, how about a bungee jumper in the middle?

 

[Woderwick]

I'm with don on that one. If you were working in square blocks, would you go to the trouble to make round holes? Nah, you 'd just leave a channel, Shirley?

 

[The Devonian]

I have used a smaller block than the one Steve shows in his initial post - they were much the same size as a concrete building block.  A good medium to handle especially for those who hands 'don't work as well' as they once did.   I found that an old hand saw was ideal for the rough work and basic shaping but curves, features and such like were made using old chisels, rasps and a variety of metal/sharp wooden objects which can give the shape or finish required.

I good groundsheet is necessary for catching the large quantities of dust that is made.  Otherwise the wrath of 'management' may be incurred.   I also, as did someone else,  suggest a face mask as an essential. 

I have made two tunnel portals using this procedure and small off-cuts make good steps and sundry items found lurking around railway yards.

Frost attack was mentioned in an earlier post. There are few frosts here to cause much concern but I am sure that in  many parts of the UK the advice given should be heeded.

 

[Round n Round]

Just thinking out aloud while I grab my coat before I make a quick exit

If these blocks soak up the wet and have to be protected from the eliments,

Is it a good idea to direct the rain water to run down them?

Although it does look very good, as per Wod's pics

I'll stop thinking now and leave :wave:

 

[Granitechops]

Just thinking out aloud while I grab my coat before I make a quick exit

If these blocks soak up the wet and have to be protected from the eliments,

Is it a good idea to direct the rain water to run down them?

Although it does look very good, as per Wod's pics

I'll stop thinking now and leave :wave:

Good thinking Trevor! but if you run Thompsons waterseal through them first, whilst dry????? if thats possible, should avoid the problem.

the thing is, if damage does occur, each section has not cost you an arm & a leg, just about a quid for the block, plus your time & effort

 

[Steve]

4th block in place and i think i will call it a day its long enough and i want to get on with some details.

First up as per Wods idea i have moved the wall out by about 15mm and i think it looks a lot better.

Once the fourth block was completed i then started on theend walls.

Other views , just the details to add now,

 

[Martino]

It's looking really good. I just wish I could source these things in North West Florida!

No-one has heard of anything like it!

 

[The Devonian]

  I can't speculate about Florida Martino but I know the type of blocks, which are soft and carveable, are available in the Unites States.  I once posted a link in an American railroad web site but it was some while ago so I cannot recall their name.   

 

[stockers]

Try this lot for American supply.

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Association
7638 Nashville St.
Ringgold, GA 30736
(706)965-4587 / Fax: (706) 965-4597
http://www.aacpa.org/ < Link To www.aacpa.org

 

[stockers]

and the Wikipedia is quite interesting for background.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerated_autoclaved_concrete

 

[pugwash]

For Round'n'round I have these blocks outside, last winter was extreme (as far as central Europe goes, which is more than most of G.B.) the only problem was some paint flaked off.
And Steve, I stand up, salute you and doff my cap - your ability to model detail is equisite, as proven by not only the bridge but the retaining walls. You beat me hands down. ace, mate

 

[Aljosha]

.... possible options for the water holes, any thoughts ?

Morning Steve!
Congrats to your achievement! Looks ACE! An order for 12 blocks is on its way to you!


Further to your question about the scuppers I found these below, easily malleable out of a breezeblock!
(sorry all pics rather small)

faces faces faces

on this one you could model you cat? lol

this one shows a 'backside'

or more dragon like?